Easter in Scotland

Since, before our big move to Europe we have been hoping to spend time with my step-sister, Rachel and her husband Ian, in Scotland.  After several months we finally built up our courage, gave Ryanair a try and flew to Edinburgh for Easter!  The was our most enjoyable trip yet!  Of course they are absolutely the most gracious hosts imaginable (and there was no bribe for me to say so) and the weather seemed to want us to have a lovely time as well.  It was so interesting as our plane landed we were seeing fields with dustings of snow, the wind seemed to be whipping and chilly.  Okay, so you are thinking...Really?  "The weather wanted you to have a lovely time" but it was almost miraculous, when we woke our first morning in Scotland, to sunshine and calmer winds. 

It was wonderful to spend a week with Rachel, Ian,and of course Ernest. Their home, Abbey House, is in the small village of Coldingham, Scotland. Just barely north of the English border and near the Sea. We loved spending time in their beautiful home that they have lovingly re-done, it has so much character and interesting details. It was quite the contrast from our government issue apartment. The gardens were ideal for the bunny visit on Easter morning. While Rachel and Ian were so kind to entertain us, their fluffy rag-muffin Ernest was kept on the run from the affections of Tess.

We even found some time to dye the eggs.  We hadn't really thought about needing get white eggs, so we dyed the brown eggs that we had.  They came out

The day of our arrival, Ian and Erik went to the butcher and returned from the Butcher they had tales of the the Harbor Hut being destroyed from the St. Abbs Harbor having high winds and flooding!

Ian arranged for a charter to take us out on the Sea, it was a bit too choppy on the first full day there and the harbor was a bit of a mess. 

We toured the Bamburgh Castle instead.  The castle sits on a cliff overlooking a beach with dunes and the sea.  Helping Graham fire the cannon to the left is Flat Stanley.  Graham's friend James sent him for and adventure from Augusta, Georgia.

Though it was pretty windy, it was nice to be on the beach and have the sun shine down on our faces.  It seems like it has been a long dark winter in Germany, so the bright sun was a welcome change.   After the castle visit we enjoyed lunch at a tea house.  Where we saw this fabulous telephone boothe outside.  I noticed Ian ordered "Tea with biscuits" and when they came they were these delicious looking biscuits filled with cream.  Next time, I am just going to copy what he orders!

The next day the seas were settled and we were able to venture out in the boat.  When we arrived at the harbor, they had started to clean things up and there was a rumor that the new Harbor Hut was on it's way.  Our Captain, Paul, met us in the harbor and lead the way to the pier. 

To our surprise (we hadn't been thinking about the tide, which was out) there was a 20 foot ladder climb down to the boat!  The thought of sending Tess down was a little hairy, but she did really great and we all got down and back up with no problem at all!  Captain Paul charted us in the Lazy G, even gave the kids some time at the helm.  There were breathtaking views everywhere, castle ruins, cliffs with sheep grazing out to the very edge, seals sunbathing and swimming, and sea-side villages.  The sun was shining and the temperature was quite comfortable. 

We spent a day in Edinburgh, where we did a tour of the royal yatch Britannia.  Unfortunately we only had Graham's camera with us and can't seem to find the cord to upload his pictures! 

We went to the top of the Sir Walter Scott Memorial.  Erik almost did not fit up the small stairways near the top.  While we did not visit the Edinburgh Castle there was a great view from the monument! 

Of course we rode on top of a double-decker bus too!

 

Visited the National Gallery Museum, the small price to pay for excellent behavior for the full two hours in the museum was a trip to the Golden Arches for lunch.  We used the audio guides and were able to see so many really neat pieces!There was a quick walk down part of the Royal Mile. 

We really loved Edinburgh, and certainly plan to return to take in everything we weren't able to see!

Easter morning we attended a service just a short walk from Abbey House at the Coldingham Priory, everyone was very welcoming and friendly.  Before church, the children enjoyed an Easter Bunny (or Oester Hase as Tess says) hunt in the gardens.  Auntie Rachel gave the children beautiful Easter baskets for collecting their goodies and eggs.  After church we returned for a delicious meal prepared by Ian. 

After the big hunt, there was loot to be sorted. 

Many, many thanks to Rachel and Ian for having us.  It was a truly wonderful and memorable Easter and visit.  We look forward to showing you around Heidelberg soon!